Its nomination day for Tenang state seat by-election. Irrespective of how many candidates are taking on Barisan's Azhar Ibrahim, the party workers must bear in mind that its a new 'war game' this time around.

After 21 years without any by-election in Johor, dont take for granted that the political scenario is similar to what we had back in the 1980s. The playground is getting bigger, the players have multiplied while the modus operandi gets more sophisticated.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin has threw a challenge for BN to chalk 'at least 5,000 majority' victory on January 30 poll, almost double from the 2,492 votes registered in the 2008 general election. Who would translate that challenge into reality?

The party workers will have to bear such a big responsibility. Confidence in winning is there - knowing Johor is BN's strongest stronghold - but the figure can either be enhanced or reduce significantly.

I just want to see BN workers start working in the morning and not to wait until the sun is down, unlike the Opposition party workers (especially Pas) who are accustomed to start wooing voters after the Subuh prayer.

I have covered almost all general elections and by-elections since 1981 and I noticed how Pas campaign machinery start cracking in the morning while the government supporters taking their sweet time before getting on the job.

When Pas party workers have already distributed about 10,000 pamphlets, the BN workers were just about to begin!

As both candidates, including Pas' Normala Sudirman are known to be fully-respected by the people in Tenang, character assassination is expected not to be part of campaigning issues. Even locals are not used to such 'dirty tactic' and badmouthing, thus sending a signal to both sides (including bloggers) not to start one.

Tenang folks are also united in so many ways. As to whether they are members of Umno, Pas, MCA, PKR or what, they dont mind sharing the same coffee table and chat as friends. Their political ideology may differ but not their line of friendship.

So, bloggers and journalists alike, you need to be more careful as this is not Kuala Terengganu, Bukit Gantang or Galas. There is almost no major issue in Tenang.

The only issue is to display our extra cards in wooing their support for BN. Do we have that?

Star, MCA-owned and therefore is the party's mouthpiece, published today a laughable report quoting its president Dr Chua Soi Lek's campaign trail in Tenang. It is not only laughable, it lacks intelligence. It lacks innovation because Chua continued to play race and religious issues in his pathetic bid to win Chinese votes. After 53 years, the tainted MCA president continues to rely on old and stale issues, devoid of any innovative thoughts to forward Malaysia as one nation.

Chua's comments, published by an equally sub-standard political newspaper, shows that Chua has failed to look at himself in the mirror when raising issues to attack his political rivals. In fact, every paragraph of the report can be rebuked easily, revealing Chua, the MCA and Barisan Nasional (BN)'s hypocritical politics.

Let's rip apart Star's report from its headline down to its news text and you will see what it really means.

The headline, 'Chua: Don't risk it on PAS' can be easily replaced with 'Chua: Don't risk it further on BN-Umno-Perkasa-Utusan Malaysia'.

The text, "Labis: A vote for PAS means endorsing its Islamic state concept and once given the support, even the DAP would be unable to influence the party or protect Chinese interests, MCA president Dr Chua Soi Lek said."

What a joke that MCA is able to influence Umno or protect Chinese interest. It may as well read, "A vote for Umno means further endorsing Umno-Perkasa's Islamic state."

Star: "'Such an endorsement would bring the dream of PAS – turning the country into an Islamic state – a step closer to reality,' he said when addressing devotees of the Teng Toh Tong temple here yesterday."

Star: "'The PAS brand of Islamic state would paralyse development in the country because their priority is to get people to base their lifestyle on what they (PAS) think is proper,' he said."

Is that so? Is Kelantan paralysed?

Star: "Apart from this, Dr Chua added, PAS rule would derail the 1Malaysia concept where all Malaysians, irrespective of race and religion, would be taken care of in the country's development."

Is that so? Is MCA defending us against the racist and unity-destroying Utusan Malaysia, the mouthpiece of Umno? I only hear PAS and PKR defending non-Muslims against the racial slurs vomited by Umno-Perkasa.

And what about Umno leaders who say "Balik China, India, Cina, India semua penumpang saja," (Go back to China, India. Chinese, Indians are only squatters in the country) and the classic, "Kita tidak perlu undi orang Cina, India untuk menang," (We don't need Chinese, Indian votes to win), as uttered by Umno leaders in Titiwangsa , Malacca and Penang?

For your information, this chappie is the Managing Director of CI Holdings . The Company among others, operates Pemanis which is the maker of Pepsi, 7Up, Mirinda, Evervess, Frost, Kickapoo; zero sugar/ zero calorie carbonated beverages, such as Pepsi Max and Pepsi Light; energy drinks; coffee; water; tea; isotonics, and juice. CI Holdings. So you fellas out there know which company and political party you support each time you open a soft drink. You decide. Smiles everyone.For posterity here is the video clip again.Chinese New Year is here again, you Chinese still want drink the crap produced by a supremacist's company? Got this via e-mail-edit

Star: "'Do you want to give up what you have been enjoying and risk putting your future and that of your family in the hands of PAS?' he asked," may as well read, "Do you want to give up whatever that you may have left after 53 years of Independence and risk becoming beggars under BN-Umno-Perkasa."

And Chua also cautioned the Chinese that PAS was using its Pakatan Rakyat partner – the DAP – to lure them. This is stupid - so, what is MCA doing now campaigning in Tenang? Isn't it for Umno-Perkasa? It's an Umno candidate, Chua, or have you been blinded?

As for Chua saying "DAP is in no position to influence PAS or protect you after you have given them the support," who would believe that you or MCA is in any position to influence or dictate to Umno?

This is only one of many ridiculous reports being dished out by the MCA newspaper year in and year out. Why are people still paying to read such garbage? I got mine online, for free. Malaysiakini

those of you in selangor, do attend to give support to PR! do attend if you don't want to see selangor fall like perak.

ALL ARE INVITED: Say NO to the appointment of Datuk Mohd Khusrin Munawi as the new Selangor State Secretary, organized by Hormati Suara Rakyat Selangor – a coalition of non-governmental organizations.

The issues that will be raised at the rally include: » Deserving individuals and groups not receiving welfare / aids services and allocations; » Ignoring measures to relief traffic congestion proposed by civil societies; » Abandoned housing projects; » Rejection of local government proposal to provide auxiliary police personnel to provide security for Selangorians and reduce crime; » Water coupons meant for low-cost flats and high-rise housing not reaching their intended residents; and » Arbitrary demolition of traders and hawkers stalls and place of business.

Fantastic news such as this doesn't come very often for Malaysian motorists – according to Transport Minister Kong Cho Ha, local car manufacturers such as Proton and Perodua have agreed in principal to make at least one airbag standard issue in all passenger cars by 2012. This will mean the most basic Proton Saga will be equipped with at least one driver airbag next year, and the same goes for the Perodua Viva.

Hopefully this will also spur all foreign badges to make airbags standard in their cars as well, although nearly all foreign makes already have at least one airbag in their cars. For some reason though, 4WD vehicles are excluded from this "gentleman's agreement".

Nevertheless, it's about time the government did something to reduce road accident fatalities. Next – how about stability control and ABS brakes?

The Star Friday January 21, 2011Highest number of by-elections in history

PETALING JAYA: The death of Merlimau state assemblyman Datuk Mohd Hidhir Abu Hassan will result in the country's 15th by-election.

The number of by-elections since the general election in March 2008 is definitely the highest in the country's history.

The police spent nearly RM40mil on the first five by-elections to maintain peace and security: RM2.8mil in Permatang Pauh, RM15.3mil in Kuala Terengganu, RM10.7mil (Bukit Gantang), RM6.4mil (Bukit Selambau) and RM4.6mil (Batang Ai).

Former Election Commission (EC) chairman Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Rahman, who served with the commission for 27 years prior to his retirement, said there had been "no more than a dozen" by-elections during a single term.

"We are only halfway through the term (of five years) and I can safely say it is the highest number of by-elections," he told The Star.

All the by-elections were triggered by the deaths of the elected representatives, with the exception of Permatang Pauh, Penanti and Bukit Selambau.

On Wednesday, Selangor state assembly Speaker Datuk Teng Chang Khim declared the Port Klang state seat vacant, which is likely to lead to another by-election.

In Kedah, the Kota Seputih seat was declared vacant by the High Court in 2009 after state Speaker Datuk Dr Abdul Isa Ismail told the EC that Datuk Abu Hassan Sarif had failed to attend two consecutive meetings without leave.

The EC then declared the seat not vacant.

However, the High Court declared the seat vacant. Subsequently, the EC appealed the ruling, which is still pending.

All states have experienced at least one by-election, with the exception of Perlis, Pahang and the Federal Territories.

Abdul Rashid said the EC would have to hold a by-election within 60 days of the seat turning vacant.

However, a by-election need not be called if the seat falls vacant within two years before the term expires.

"The term's expiry is five years from the first Dewan Rakyat session, and not from the date of the last polls," stressed Abdul Rashid.

On the Port Klang seat, Abdul Rashid said the EC should carry out the by-election as the Speaker had already declared the seat vacant.

Tourists pose with the Charging Bull sculpture in New York. The bronze sculpture of a bull, which represents prosperous times, has become a symbol of the financial district of New York and is a favourite tourist attraction. — Reuters pic

Within Islam, shirk is an unforgivable crime; God may forgive any sin except for committing shirk.

The word širk is derived from the Arabic root Š-R-K (ش ر ك), with the general meaning of "to share".In the context of the Qur'an, the particular sense of "sharing as an equal partner" is usually understood, so that polytheism is "attributing a partner to Allah". In the Qur'an, širk and the related word (plural Stem IV active participle) mušrikūn (مشركون) "those who commit shirk and plot against Islam" often clearly refers to the enemies of Islam (as in verse 9.1–15) but sometimes it also refers to erring Muslims.

LONDON, Jan 21 — Stumbled across an indentation in a stone slab or a shiny spot on a bronze relief on your travels? That's a sign you've found a local symbol of good luck. Travel website VirtualTourist.com (www.virtualtourist.com) has compiled a list of "Ten Great Good Luck Symbols" around the world to help the superstitious tourist. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

Shakespeare must be rolling in his grave over this one. Visitors to the tragic heroine's statue rub her right breast in the quest for good luck. The truly romantic also leave love letters on the walls of her house.

In a long-standing tradition, students with pending exams come here to touch the heads of the courtyard's 82 tortoises for luck. The pupils in this area must have extraordinarily high grade point averages as the stone heads of the tortoises have become virtually soft from the repeated touching.

3. St John of Nepomuk Statue; Prague, Czech Republic

The rules for this one are a little complicated but for the very superstitious it's worth the effort. Touching the reliefs on the statue of St John of Nepomuk is said to bring good luck, but if you want good fortune that's a little more specific, walk a few steps towards Old Town and find the cross with five stars on the left parapet of the bridge. Touch each of the five stars with a finger and rest your left palm on the cross and make your wish!

4. Rock of Luck; Kusu Island, Singapore

Visitors to this oddly shaped, bright yellow monument will notice a plethora of four-digit numbers written all over its surface. For those unfamiliar with the Singapore lottery, these are "picks." Believers have defaced this rock in the hopes of becoming rich.

Legend has it that in an effort to remind a group of late-night partiers that Easter was the next day, this little guy uncorked a barrel of water and in so doing, created Lake Wörthersee. In spite of this somewhat daunting story, visitors today come here to rub his outstretched finger for good luck.

Those who find themselves in residential areas of Cusco will undoubtedly notice the profusion of somewhat goofy-looking ceramic bulls that sit on the roofs of area homes. In spite of their frightened, bug-eyed expressions and often outstretched tongues, people here take their powers of sending good fortune very seriously.

Someone forgot to tell the person who started this tradition that the expression is "Take the bull by the horns" not something else. While Wall Street has been an exceptionally unlucky place to be lately, it's said that touching the private parts of this bull will bring good luck.

Although Dijon is associated more with its mustard than its good luck symbols, the town's beloved owl is thought to bring such good luck that it's nearly rubbed out. Carved into the wall of a centuries-old church, the figure is said to bring luck to those who touch it with their left hand.

9. Magellan Statue; Puenta Arenas, Chile

Although clearly taken seriously by many, this tradition feels a little like something drummed up by an office of tourism. Those who rub the foot of the Pantagon man who sits at the base of this statue are said to be sure to return to the area.

10. Grgur Ninski Staute; Split, Croatia

Measuring over 20 feet in height, this enormous statue is a source of great pride for the Croatian people. Depicting Bishop Grgur of Nin who fought to retain the right of the Croatian people to hold religious services in their own language, the statue is thought to bring good luck to those who rub its big toe. — Reuters

Qur'an

Islamic commentators on the Qur'an have emphasized that pre-Islamic Arabic idolatry made a number of godlings (most memorably the three goddesses al-Manāt, al-Lāt and ʻUzzā) equal associates of Allah (as the Qur'an discusses in the 53rd surat) and the word mushrikūn (singular: mushrik) is often translated into English as "polytheists".

Other forms of shirk include the worship of wealth and other material objects. This is pointed out in the Qur'an in one of the stories of the Children of Israel, when they took a calf made of gold for worship,[4] and for which Moses ordered their execution. Another form of shirk mentioned in the Qur'an is to take scholars of religion, monks, divines or religious lawyers as Lord/(s) in practice by following their doctrines, and/or by following their rulings on what is lawful when it is at variance to the law or doctrines prescribed by God's revelation.[5][6] Yet another form, is to treat a prophet, such as Jesus, as God.

Theological interpretation

In a theological context one commits shirk by associating some lesser being with Allah. This sin is committed if one imagines that there is some other spirit than Allah whom it is suitable to worship. Many Islamic theologians extend the sense of worship to include praying to some other being to intercede with Allah on one's behalf, rather than taking one's case to God Himself. The limits of the concept of worship are quite elastic and theologians often describe excessive veneration of some artifact here on earth as shirk.

Atheism is described as shirk because it denies the position of Allah as the unique creator and sustainer of the universe (tawhid ar-rububiyya, the unity of creation). In the same way, the act of shirk is extended to include such things as the notion that God possesses human-like anthropomorphic qualities as well as acts of worship or piety whose inward goal is pride, caprice, or a desire for public admiration.

Greater and lesser shirk

Shirk is defined in various ways. Some argue that there is only one type of shirk.

The Islamic prophet Muhammad has classified shirk into two categories[1]:

Greater Shirk

To associate anyone with Allah Taala as His part. (To believe in more than one god)

To associate Allah's attributes with someone else. (Attributing, considering, or portraying God's knowledge or might to being those of anyone else)

Other interpretions also derived from the Qur'an and the prophetic tradition (Sunnah) divide shirk into three main categories:

Shirk in Rubūbīyah (Lordship)

This category of Shirk refers to either the belief that others share God's Lordship over creation as His equal or near equal, or to the belief that there exists no Lord over creation at all.

Shirk by association: This is the shirk concerned with associating 'others' with Allah.

Shirk by negation: This is Shirk in Rubūbīyah (Lordship)

Shirk in al-Asma was-Sifat (the Names and Attributes)

Shirk in this category includes both the non-believer practices of giving God the attributes of His creation as well as the act of giving created beings God's names and attributes.

Shirk by humanization: In this aspect of Shirk in al-Asma was-Sifat, God is given the form and qualities of human beings and animals. Due to man's superiority over animals, the human form is more commonly used by idolaters to represent God in creation. Consequently, the image of the Creator is often painted, moulded or carved in the shape of human beings possessing the physical features of those who worship them.

Shirk by deification: This form of Shirk in al-Asma was Sifat relates to cases where created beings or things are given or claim God's names or His attributes. For example, it was the practice of the ancient Arabs to worship idols whose names were derived from the names of God. Their main three idols were: al-Lat taken from God's name al-Elah, al-'Uzza taken from al-'Aziz, and al-Manat taken from al-Mannan. During the era of Muhammad there was also a man in a region of Arabia called Yamamah, who claimed to be a prophet and took the name Rahman which, in Islam, belongs only to God.

Shirk In al-'Ibadah (Worship)

In this category of Shirk, acts of worship are directed to other than Allah and the reward for worship is sought from the creation instead of the Creator. As in the case of the previous categories, Shirk in al-'Ebadah has two main aspects.

This form of Shirk occurs when any act of worship is directed to other than Allah. It represents the most obvious form of idolatry which the prophets were specifically sent by God to call the masses of mankind away from. Examples of this shirk, asking forgiveness, admittance to paradise, and other things that only Allah can provide, from other than Allah.

Lesser Shirk

Lesser shirk or Shirke-e-Asghar means hidden polytheism.

A person commits hidden polytheism when he says tawhid, there is no god except Allah, but his thoughts and action does not reflect his belief.[1]

Lesser shirk fundamentally stems from an underestimation of God. This intellectual defect leads to pride, arrogance, and self-delusion.[7]

"One who offers the ritual prayers in an ostentatious way is a polytheist. One who keeps the fast, or gives alms, or performs the Hajj to show the public his righteousness or to earn good name is a polytheist"

Other accounts

"Mahmud ibn Lubayd reported, "God's messenger said: "The thing I fear for you the most is ash-Shirk al-Asghar."

The companions asked "Oh! messenger of God, what is that?"

He replied "Ar-Riya (showing off), for verily God will say on the Day of Resurrection when people are receiving their rewards, 'Go to those for whom you were showing off in the material world and see if you can find any reward from them."

"Mahmud ibn Lubayd also said, "The Prophet came out and announced, 'O people, beware of secret Shirk!'

The people asked, 'O messenger of God, what is secret Shirk?'

He replied, 'When a man gets up to pray and strives to beautify his prayer because people are looking at him; that is secret Shirk."

In Wahabbi Islam

Swearing by other than Allah is considered lesser shirk, unless the one who swore believes that whomever sworn by is even with Allah's worth.

Most famous and Biggest wholesale market of Mandalay. Zay Cho market is well-known for its' cheaper-price. It is situated at the corner of 26 (B) Street and between 84-87 streets in down town area. These photo are not so good coz I was taking from the backseat of motorcycle.

According to The Malaysian Insider, Penang residents have been given a two-week window to provide their feedback on the state government's plan to construct the Penang People's Park (PPP), which includes a RM300 million international convention centre.

image from sembang-sembang forum

Beginning today, the public will be allowed to view the plans for the multimillion ringgit project from 9am to 5pm for two weeks at the main entrance of the Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa). Members of the public can communicate their views on the project directly at the venue or via email to MPPP council president at hiyah@mppp.gov.my in the next two weeks.

In a press statement this morning, Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said that public consultation was a key aspect in the state government's "CAT" governance of competency, accountability and transparency.

The PPP is a five-feature construction that includes the country's first subterranean RM300 million Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE), a seven-acre public park, a refurbished and upgraded Pisa, a refurbished and upgraded Aquatic Centre and a four-star hotel with retail outlets and a spacious parking lot.

The Penang CM announced that the project has been awarded to Eco Meridean Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of property developer SP Setia Bhd, which was among the three firms that submitted formal responses to a request for proposal in an open tender system for the project in 2009.

"Three key requirements were considered in awarding the open tender — best value for money pricing, best product quality and whether it can be maintained to match world-class standards," Lim said today.

He reiterated that the company's proposal for PPP and sPICE had passed all three requirements and had also fulfilled the state government's plans to protect the environment.

"sPICE will be a green building and will provide a new seven-acre public park. As it is underground, the park will be at ground level and not at rooftop.

"The public park will be open to the public free of charge and no charges imposed as alleged by some," he said.

Earlier, Lim had announced that the MPPP would be investing a net sum of RM11.5 million in the RM300 million project, through a public-private partnership agreement with Eco Meridean.

According to LGE, that while the council was to invest RM50 million in the project, savings from the RM25 million repair works on Pisa and the Aquatic Centre and the purchase of land at RM13.5 million to construct the four-star hotel would save the council some RM38.5 million.

For SP Setia, he added, the firm was confident that by managing and maintaining sPICE for 30 years, it would be able to recoup its investments through rentals and other related activities.

"This is a vote of confidence for Penang that the state will be a preferred choice of investors, tourists, young and talented residents who desire a sustainable habitat.

"SP Setia's confidence is also backed by other foreign and local investors who made Penang the champion state in Malaysia for the first time in history with RM 12.2 billion in investments in 2010, the highest total ever for Penang," he said today.

Here's background information that I received in an email from Sembang-Sembang Forum:

1. They renamed PICC as sPICE (sub-terranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) since it will be a sub-terranean building -Tetuan Eco Meridean Sdn.Bhd, a subsidiary company of S.P. Setia Bhd is awarded the project via open tender/ RFP(request for proposal) in the format of BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer)

2. The decision was make after considering the quality, best price and management standard that could provided+ green element that offered.The design seem to be ppl friendly(OKU facilities) and holistic with iconic and international level architectural, potential to become a new landmark of Penang. The developer had presented a clear business model and development plan including return+expanses analysis.

10. They will build a new 2 storey car park and expand the recent car park space to achieve a total carpark lot of 2200.

11. They said will conduct a professional traffic study to modify the traffic flow but there are no details for the media yet.

12. The whole project is estimated to be completed within 3 years.

This afternoon, I also received a statement via email from Coalition for Good Governance Penang (CGGP)on the launching of sPICE as follows:

CGGP statement on the launching of sPICE.

To the Chief Minister of Penang YAB Lim Guan Eng:

The Coalition for Good Governance Penang (CGGP) wishes to commend the Penang State Govt for having the courage and ambition to pick an innovative design concept for the sPICE project. The sub-terranean design with a roof garden is an engineering and technological challenge.

The ratepayers are now stakeholders of the project as millions of ringgit of ratepayers money will be used. In the interest of accountability and transparency, CGGP urges the Penang State Government to :-

1) Disclose details of the concessions and tender terms given to the developer including penalty clauses in case of non-performance, project delay etc.

2) Disclose the financial returns to the State / MPPP.

3) Disclose the total project cost including infrastructure, repair and maintenance and which party is bearing these costs.

4) Proactively engage the public, especially the residents living within the vicinity of sPICE on the traffic dispersal system through feedback and dialogue.

We wish to state that the rakyat have suffered due to the lopsided concessions given to GLCs such as PLUS, Penang Bridge etc which only came to light 20 years after the agreements have been signed.

Personally, much as I acknowledge how the current state government has wrought positive changes for Penang, I believe that that Penang does not need sPICE. It will boomerang around coz of the anti RM5Billion Merdeka Tower. Malaysia needs Brains, and NOT tall buildings. Also to note that Komtar has been a Beautiful White elephant. Instead of spending more money building on sPICE, why won't the government try to fill up KOMTAR first? Money should be spent developing HUMAN CAPITAL which our country desperately needs to stay ahead of competitors.

I urge all concerned Penangites and Malaysians to view the plans for the project and to communicate their views on the project directly at the venue or via email to MPPP council president at hiyah@mppp.gov.my in the next two weeks.

Please remember that in the past, the rakyat had suffered from lopsided concessions given to government-linked companies. A very good example is what has been explained inTHIS POST written by Joe Hakim which should be read by all Malaysians.

There are OTHER cheaper and better ways to spice up the situation in Penang without spending so much and letting Penangites pay for its externalities.

Random facts of American' corruption you probably didn't know:1. Michael Chertoff was part of prosecution team that helped blow the 1993 World Trade Center investigation2. Patrick Fitzgerald who was Chertoff's boss on the WTC non-investigation is now in Illinois prosecuting political opponents of Rahm Emanuel and Barack Obama3. Rahm Emanuel's father was an Israeli terrorist who specialized in bombing buses and killing British troops in Palestine4. Emanuel and Obama both used a Washington DC townhouse provided to them by a BP lobbyist when Emanuel was a Congressman and Obama was a Senator5. Barack Obama and Rahm Emanuel were members of the same gay bath house in Chicago6. A former staffer of the woman who rented Emanuel the townhouse just died...in a fire...in her garage...behind her house. Her husband is a top Obama staffer Dan Turton.7. Larry Silverstein - leasee of the World Trade Center - is now the owner of the Chicago Sears TowerAnd that's just the tip of the iceberg.If you ever wondered why Obama is carrying out the corporate-fascist agenda of the Bush family, you'll understand everything after watching this video